Heat loss in boilers (definition)

Heat loss in boilers - this is the quantity thermal energy, which is lost during the operation of the boiler and is not transferred to the coolant (water, air, etc.). These losses reduce the efficiency of the boiler, reducing its efficiency (coefficient of performance). The main sources of heat loss include heat leakage through the boiler body, heat leaving with flue gases, and heat loss during incomplete combustion of fuel.

Heat Losses in Boilers: Key Aspects

• Flue gas losses:
  • Outgoing flue gases: One of the key sources of heat loss is flue gases, which at high temperatures exit through the chimney, taking with them a significant amount of thermal energy.
  • Efficiency enhancing technologies:
    • Condensing boilers: These boilers use the heat contained in the water vapor produced in the flue gases. By condensing the water vapor, they return the heat to the system, which significantly increases efficiency.
    • Economizers: These are devices installed at the flue gas outlet. Economizers extract the remaining heat from the flue gases, directing it back to the heating system, reducing heat loss.
    • Recuperators: These devices capture heat from the flue gases and use it to preheat the air entering the burner, which also increases the overall efficiency of the system.
• Other sources of heat loss:
  • Heat loss through the boiler body: Some heat may escape through the boiler walls, especially if the boiler is not sufficiently insulated.
  • Incomplete combustion of fuel: If the fuel does not burn completely, some of the energy contained in it is lost, and this part of the heat loss also reduces the efficiency of the boiler.
• Methods for reducing heat loss:
  • Improved thermal insulation: Providing high-quality thermal insulation of the boiler body allows reducing heat loss through its walls.
  • Combustion optimization: Adjusting the combustion process to ensure complete combustion of the fuel reduces heat loss.
  • Use of flue gas temperature controllers: These devices allow you to control the temperature of the outgoing gases, reducing their heat loss.

Heat loss in boilers is an important factor affecting the energy efficiency of the heating system. Modern technologies such as condensing boilers, economizers and recuperators can significantly reduce heat loss, increasing the efficiency of the boiler and reducing heating costs. Optimization of heat transfer and efficient use of flue gas energy are key approaches to minimizing heat loss and improving the operation of boiler equipment.